Many assume that the cosmetic and restorative care options in dentistry are utterly unrelated to each other. This makes it difficult for patients to decide what treatment is best for them when the dental team at Wernick Family Dentistry presents with a choice, such as a metal or porcelain crown. The relationship between cosmetic and restorative care is much closer relationship than one might think.
How Are Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry Similar?
Part of the reason why this relationship is not commonly known is that cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry are defined in very different ways. Cosmetic care is characterized as improving the appearance of your smile, and restoration’s goal is described as rebuilding the structural and functional health of treated teeth.
Despite how they are explained and the difference in application, many cosmetic treatments are actually esthetically beneficial variants of established restorative care.
A key example of this relationship occurs whenever crowns are used to rebuild teeth affected by decay. Crowns can be made out of a few different materials. Two of the material options, porcelain and zirconia, match the appearance of natural teeth. In most cases, our dentist can provide porcelain crowns, allowing the smile to be healthy while also looking its best. There may be cases where extreme restorative requirements can only be addressed with a metal crown, which will not improve the smile’s image. However, most patients seeking crowns do not have to choose between practical and cosmetic benefits.
Why Does this Relationship Matter?
The fact that restorative care can also be visually appealing may not seem like a particularly important facet of care. However, it is still important to consider because of the connection between self-image and outward appearance.
In general, there is a link between a person’s self-confidence and whether their appearance matches their personal ideal image. For many of the patients we serve, enhancing the beauty of their teeth is a fast and significant improvement to how much they enjoy their day-to-day life. Not everyone is concerned with the esthetics of their restorative care, but for others, getting a porcelain crown instead of a metal one can be the deciding factor of how positive their dental experience is.
Call Us for Comprehensive Dentistry
Wernick Family Dentistry provides cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and more in Virginia Beach, VA, with service to all surrounding communities. Our comprehensive approach to dental care helps us build up the beauty and health of your smile in equal measure. For more information about the types of treatment we can provide, call us and schedule your next appointment today.
